Lullaby Time: Little Man You’ve Had A Busy Day

Nearly every newsletter on health, national newspapers columns on skin beauty, and talking TV heads emphatically stress the benefits of sleep. The 2013 International Bedroom Poll – National Sleep Foundation, is the first international sleep habits poll, http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-polls-data/other-polls/2013-international-bedroom-poll , and it noted cultural differences among six countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. In the U.S. the average hours of sleep is 6 hours and 31 minutes. Only 44% of those polled report that they get an adequate night’s sleep.

Sleeping has been a challenge for me since I was born. My mother, in her own sweet little way, never stopped pointing out that from the time I arrived home from the hospital, I cried most of the night as an infant. I really cannot confirm or deny those assertions. I do remember that she would come into my room as a young children and pat me on my back, singing this lullaby.

( Evenin’ breeze is sighin’, moon is in the sky, time for daddy’s little man to hear his lullaby . . . ) Little man you’re cryin’, I know why you’re blue, Someone took your kiddy-car away, Better go to sleep now, Little man you’ve had a busy day . . . Johnny won your marbles, tell you what we’ll do, Dad will get you new ones right away, Better go to sleep now, Little man you’ve had a busy day . . . You’ve been playin’ soldier, the battle has been won, The enemy is out of sight, Come along there soldier, put away your gun, The war is over for tonight . . . Time you stop your schemin’, time your day was through, Can’t you hear the bugle softly say?

Since I am a female, I have no idea why she chose this lullaby, probably desperation.

In elementary school I would hide under a blanket with a light and read, frequently through much of the night. In high school, activities and homework justified little sleep.

The tune has drifted through my mind for years. I could never quite capture the melody and the name. About six months ago, the name drifted through the many years and layers and I remembered the patting and my mother singing this when I couldn’t sleep. I searched and found the piecemeal phrases and have captured this song.

Still not sleeping….still trying every known strategy and after many talks with health professionals, I take sleeping medications. Most physicians chat (and lecture) about their favorite potential solution or just recommend “bedtime routines.” There is no appreciation, nada, zero, for people who are genetically wired to be sleep deprived. For many, many years I did very well on about 4 to 5 hours of sleep. At one point in my life I was raising three teenagers, caring for two elderly parents, getting my doctorate, and working full time at a very demanding job. It really didn’t seem like much of a stretch.

Since I retired, I have become aware that I do need sleep to be healthy. I feel at peace with the solution I have and finally get some regular sleep. Medication had helped but is not ideal.

As a retired senior, I am content that at least, the sleep fairy comes almost every night.

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About Me

Working had been a way of life for me since I was about 10 years old. Frequently I worked at my profession and taught potential student teachers in a college graduate program, and wrote books by night. When I decided to retire I was not sure I could fill my time and find meaning in retirement. Well, I have! Hopefully this information will help you!